Transmission disconnect system

Abstract

A system for disconnecting or neutralizing a transmission including a normally open switch, which is closed upon depression of the secondary brake pedal, wired in series with a brake light switch and the coil of a solenoid operated valve. When the coil is energized the valve is shifted to cause the transmission to be neutralized.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. In a vehicle having a fluid brake circuit, a hydraulically actuated power transmission clutch and an electrical brake light circuit including a bulb and a normally open, pressure sensitive switch for energizing said bulb in response to the presence of a predetermined pressure in said fluid brake circuit, a hydraulic circuit including a solenoid valve for controlling the disengagement of said clutch; a normally open, manually actuated switch connected in series with said pressure switch and said solenoid valve wherein said solenoid valve is energized only when both switches are closed; said solenoid valve normally permitting engagement of said clutch, but when energized assuring that said clutch is disengaged. 
     
     
       2. In a vehicle according to claim 1, and further comprising, a master cylinder is said fluid brake circuit; linkage means for actuating said master cylinder; primary and secondary brake pedals connected to said linkage means; said manually actuated switch being closed only upon depression of said secondary pedal. 
     
     
       3. In a vehicle according to claim 2, and further comprising a servo cylinder communicating with said solenoid valve; a disconnect valve connected to said servo cylinder and moveable thereby; said disconnect valve normally permitting engagement of said clutch but moveable upon energization of said solenoid valve to disengage said transmission. 
     
     
       4. In a vehicle according to claim 3, and further comprising: a transmission valve interposed between said disconnect valve and said clutch capable of controlling engagement and disengagement of said clutch when said disconnect valve is in its normal position, but rendering it ineffective when said disconnect valve is moved by energization of said solenoid valve.